USU Professor to March in Opening Ceremony
Utah State University Professor Rich Gordin is no stranger to the Olympics, but this year he will move out from behind the scenes to march in the opening ceremony in Sochi, Russia.
The professor and sports psychologist from the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department was invited to accompany Todd Lodwick, an Olympic silver medalist and member of the U.S. Nordic Combined Team. Lodwick was named the flag bearer for Team USA on Feb. 5.
Gordin worked with the U.S. Nordic Combined Team for the 2010 Olympics. That year, the U.S. team took home its first ever medals — four of them — in what had been considered a Western European event.
Before that, he worked with the U.S. Gymnastics Team in Seoul and the U.S. Track and Field Team in Athens. He also worked with 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir.
While the sports are diverse, the athletes all have to play a mental game in addition to the physical challenges.
“I call it the most important six inches in sports,” Gordin said in a 2010 interview with Utah State University Magazine. “The six inches between your ears.”
The 2014 Olympic Opening Ceremony in Sochi airs at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, on KSL.
Writer: JoLynne Lyon, 435-797-1463
Utah State University professor Rich Gordin as seen in 2010 in Utah State Magazine. He is wearing a parka that was a part of the 2010 uniform. He'll have a new jacket when he marches in the opening ceremony Feb. 7 at the Sochi Olympics.
SHARE
TRANSLATE
Comments and questions regarding this article may be directed to the contact person listed on this page.
